By KALEY CONNER

kconner@dailynews.net

When Hays city commissioners meet for a work session at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, they will consider moving forward with a proposed hike-and-bike trail.

City staff is preparing a grant application requesting funds from the Kansas Department of Transportation for construction of the project, working with representatives from the Baughman Co., which the city commission hired to create a master plan for the trail.

Plans for the trail have been in the works since 2006. Originally, the commission had hoped to apply for the transportation enhancement funds in 2007, but the company failed to provide a sufficient master plan in time for the November deadline.

The proposal is to complete the 32-mile trail in phases, with the initial 2.14-mile Big Creek levy trail beginning near Thomas More Prep-Marian High School and winding around Fort Hays State University.

Engineering estimates suggest construction of this project could be more than $970,000. According to information from city hall, staff believes the estimates are high.

Based on 2010 budget predictions, city staff expects to have $348,600 in the special park and recreation fund for use as matching funds.

The total proposal consists of 13 trail segments, with an estimated price tag of about $11 million.

Other agenda items include:

* Changes to a proposed community improvement district policy.

* A proposed stormwater utility study. City staff is looking for ways to reduce the amount of pollution carried into Big Creek by stormwater, in compliance with federal regulations.

*  The addition of five more parking spaces on the 1000 block of Fort Street, in front of the AT&T building.

*  An agreement for the installation of water lines in Centennial Estates Sixth Addition.

* Presentation of a new rescue pumper purchased for the Hays Fire Department.